Patricia A. McClellan

Patricia “Patty” Ann (Burke) McClellan, 83, of Southington, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, Godmother and friend, earned her angel wings on the evening of Sunday, March 5, 2023 after a lengthy illness. She passed peacefully at the Southington Care Center with her family by her side.

“Patty,” as she was known by her family and friends, was born in New Britain on November 05, 1939 and was the oldest child and daughter of the late William and Gertrude (O’Dell) Burke. She attended Southington schools and was a graduate of Southington High School, Class of 1957, where she was voted for having the “nicest hair”. As a single parent, she raised her five children with strength and tenacity. She was her children’s number one advocate and supporter.

A tireless worker, she worked many jobs in her life before retiring from Food Mart Stores and working for Dr. Andrew Guest. Throughout her life she volunteered for The New Britain Mother’s Club, The New Britain Junior Women’s club where she was a past president and appeared in the New Britain Junior Women’s Candy Cane Capers at Welte Hall at CCSC, a Blue Bird Leader, a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts and she was also a “Helping Hand” Mother. She also volunteered for the Bread for Life and The Calendar House.

After Pat retired, she enjoyed the comfort and solitude of her home, watching the birds in their bird feeders and feeding the squirrels in her back yard. Pat also loved watching her New York Mets as well as watching Hallmark movies and QVC. (She loved her Quacker Factory wardrobe) As the oldest of seven children, Pat was the glue that held her family together. She hosted many family get-togethers during the holidays and has hosted a wedding or two in her home. In past years, you would find her cheering on her son’s and daughter’s baseball and softball games as well as her children’s school activities, concerts and book fairs. Later you would always see Pat at her grandson’s baseball games, her granddaughter’s softball games and dance recitals and also their school band concerts.

She was very active in her younger years with all her grandchildren’s school activities including marching with her granddaughter’s Brownie troop in the Apple Harvest Parade. Her granddaughters knew they always had a place to stay and they have been known to “move in” by sneaking clothes into a spare room dresser drawer. Pat would never leave her house without her trademark “red lipstick” on!

Pat is survived by her five children; Robin Casella of Newington, Mark Casella of Meriden, Kathy Casella-Flagge of Plantsville, Kim Casella- Lambert and her husband Michael of Southington and Scott Casella and his wife Kim of Plantsville. She was a doting grandmother (Nonny) to Deborah Mandigo of Cromwell, Kateri Dickerman and her husband Eric of Southington, Chelsea Flagge of Plainville, Haley Flagge of Plainville, Michael Lambert of Southington, Matthew Casella of Plantsville and Lindsay Lambert of Southington. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren; Jordyn Mandigo, Jayden Mandigo, Sophia Dickerman, Jylian Mandigo, Nicholas Dickerman and Laylah Haddock. Pat is also survived by her three brothers; Robert Burke and his wife Barbara of Unionville, James Burke of New Britain and Jacky Burke and his wife Cindi of Rocky Hill and by her two sisters; Margaret “Peggy” Blake of Plainville and Karen Valle of New Britain and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. Addition to her parents, Pat was predeceased by her sister, Kathey Ellen Burke, her ex-husband and father of her children, Frank Casella Jr., her fur baby “Petie” and her “grand dogger” Josie.

A funeral home service for Pat will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington, CT 06489 with Pastor Susan Thomas of Faith Living Church officiating. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Should friends desire, contributions in Pat’s memory may be made to the Bread for Life, PO Box 925 Southington, CT 06489. The family would like to thank Dr. Andrew Guest for the care he gave her over the years and the nursing staff at Southington Care Center for the wonderful care that was given to their Mother over the past 21 months. A special thanks to her CNA's Winnie, Kami, and Tammy who always treated her with loving care.

For directions or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.dellavechiasouthington.com.